Sunday 18 June, 7.30
Image © Greg Helgeson.
The Sound of Film – Jazz in Hollywood
Julian Bliss – Clarinet
Colin Oxley – Guitar
Conor Chaplin – Bass
Dan Higham – Trombone
Dave Ingamells – Drums
Jason Rebello – Piano
Martin Shaw – Trumpet
With their irrepressible, jazz-infused energy, the Julian Bliss Septet presents some of the great music that has come out of Hollywood. Starting with silent film and the early 'talkies' in the Great Depression years, the Septet plays music from wartime movies, musicals and even the classic Disney blockbusters. Including Cheek to Cheek, As Time Goes By, Sing Sing Sing, Days of Wine and Roses, and When you Wish upon a Star, this much-loved music is played by one of the most sparkling and talented jazz ensembles of our day.
Julian Bliss has a multi-faceted career as one of the world’s leading clarinet players. Equally at home in the worlds of classical and jazz, his appearances range from concerto soloist, chamber musician, jazz artist and inspirational masterclass leader. His list of recordings across both genres is extensive. Established in 2010, the Julian Bliss Jazz Septet brings together Julian on clarinet with trumpet, vibraphone, piano, bass and percussion to create a swinging ensemble which will guarantee an unsurpassed level jazz playing. Their schedule takes them across the world, and the Septet has played to packed houses in the USA, the Caribbean and Europe, and from Jazz at the Lincoln Centre to London’s Ronnie Scott’s Club. Julian last appeared at Thaxted Festival in 2016 with his classical trio, and we are delighted to welcome him back with his Septet for a superb evening of unamplified jazz in Thaxted Church’s spacious acoustic.
‘…impressive recording by talented clarinettist Julian Bliss and his excellent Septet. […] Bliss’s quick-fire clarinet starts weaving free-flowing improvisational lines around the tune from the very outset. […] jaw-dropping, side-stepping vibes solo. […] the whole ensemble is on fire’ – Gramophone review of the Septet’s I Got Rhythm CD, released in 2021.
This concert is sponsored in memory of Denys and Marie Stott.